“I’ve always wanted a sister!!!!
Just about 20 years ago, I heard those words come thru the phone receiver when I answered the phone.
On the other end was my future sister-in-law. I thought she was insane. I also already had a sister and quite frankly, my feeling was 1 was enough! I was not in the market for another one.
My brother David had met this woman and after just a few months of dating, had proposed and none of us had even met her. (We won’t even go to that place that begins to wonder what kind of person would be interested in, no less want to MARRY my brother!!!) I kid, I kid!!!
Let me also mention how perky she sounded. I rolled my eyes.
I remember calling my sister and we both just groaned at what was in store for us having this new addition to our family.
I remember my brother bringing her to my home so I could meet her one evening to hang out with me and my ex. They suggested playing the game Pictionary – the latest game that everyone was playing. It wasn’t until after a game or 2 where they royally kicked our asses, that they decided to share with us that she was a graphic artist! NIIIIIIIIICE!!! Of course we’ll be happy to continue playing with you – NOT!
The next time I saw her was a few months later at her bridal shower. At her parents’ home in Schenectady, NY.
I should mention that my sister-in-law is just about 5’2” tall and her people and it seemed like all of her friends and family, were about that tall, as well. My Mom is 5’7”, my ex is 5’6” and I am 5’9” (but now I’m 5’8” – which we won’t talk about!). So the 3 “Gullivers” walked into the house and entered the room and promptly tried not to step on or trip over anyone. Even my sister who is about 5’5” seemed tall!!! It was quite a day, as you can imagine.
Forget about being tall to make you feel different, but it was 1991 and being a lesbian wasn’t quite as fashionable as it is today! Her Mother welcomed me and my ex into the family with a smile and a hug. Aside from the ‘size’ issue, the day was a lot of fun.
As the wedding date (a mere 3 months later) approached, talk of who was in the wedding party started. My sister and I were informed that we would be bridesmaids. I had never had that honor before. I knew it would involve a dress. Sigh.
The only nice thing I can say about the dress that we all had to wear was that it was $25.00. So when I threw it away afterwards, I had no remorse! Her Mother had found a bargain that also matched the color scheme of the wedding – black & white! Fantastic.
I present our family (circa Sept 15, 1991) – which included my infamous (and sorely missed) Grandma Fay (far left) who was told to wear black and white (which she did, but wanted some color, so she added a red slip underneath!) The others are from l-r: my sister Elizabeth, Dad, the wedding couple (!!), my Mom, my brother Benjamin & me! (though you can't tell, I had that fashionable "#7" hair cut and a perm just growing out!!)
Since that day, I don’t know how it happened, Cheryl Bogner has grown to be a confidant and trusted friend of mine. (The same woman who, when I called her at her job right after they were married, answered “Cheryl Bogner” and I thought, “My mother never named any of her children Cheryl!!!”)
We don’t agree on everything (cuz how much fun would THAT be???!!) but on important stuff, we do.
She doesn’t do things quite the way I do and I’m sure the same is true from her perspective and the two f us could not be any more different – starting with our height. But she can make me laugh! And we respect our differences and can pretty much (and have!!) talked about anything and everything.
Since they moved to Israel and with the great invention called Skype, we talk at least 3-4 times a week – or at least chat via Skype IM’ing. It’s brought us even closer.
So all of this wandering down memory lane is because today (January 13th) just happens to be her birthday! And it’s kind of a junior type of milestone, so I thought it would be nice to let her know how much she means to me.
And it’s kind of cool that at her ‘young’ age, she is now the proud mother of a beautiful and talented 18 year old daughter!!! (along with 2 great boys!)
Hope your day is filled with fun and laughter!
Happy birthday, Cheryl! J (aka Zahava – as she’s known in Israel!)
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